We’ve all seen the flyers: “Carpet cleaning for £10 a room” or “Whole house for £50!” These low prices can be tempting, but when it comes to something as valuable as your carpets, it’s a classic case of “you get what you pay for.” At Harpenden Cleaning, we believe in doing the job right, which is why we want to explain the risks of choosing a “cut-price” cleaner.
The Dangers of Skipping Steps
To offer such low rates, many cut-price cleaners skip essential parts of the cleaning process. A very important first step is a thorough vacuuming. Did you know that over 80% of the soil in your carpet is dry particulate that’s worked its way deep into the pile? This grit acts like sandpaper, abrading the fibers and causing premature wear and pile flattening. If not removed, it can even cause synthetic carpets to lose their luster and develop permanent grey or brown traffic lanes.
Many cleaning methods involve two distinct steps:
- Applying a cleaning product, agitating it, and letting it dwell.
- Rinsing or vacuuming the product and soil away.
Cut-price cleaners often combine these steps or cut them short, leading to insufficient agitation and poor results.
The Problem with Cheap Products
Another way to cut costs is to use cheaper, less effective cleaning products or to dilute them to a higher ratio. This has a direct and obvious impact on the final clean. Professionals like us invest in high-quality, effective cleaning solutions that are safe for your carpets and provide the best possible results.
The Lack of Professional Training
Cut-price companies rarely invest in professional training for their technicians. This can lead to serious problems being overlooked and a lack of knowledge about cleaning chemistry. Your carpets are made of different fibers, each requiring a specific cleaning approach. Without the proper training, a cleaner could damage your carpet, leaving you with a costly problem to fix.
The Risk of Over-Wetting
One of the most common and dangerous complaints we hear from customers who have used cut-price cleaners is that their carpets are still wet 24 or even 48 hours later. This is incredibly risky, as mold can begin to develop in as little as 12 hours. Additionally, walking on a still-damp carpet or replacing furniture on it can lead to excessive re-soiling and permanent staining.
At Harpenden Cleaning, we use the advanced HOST Dry Extraction Cleaning System, which leaves your carpets dry and ready for immediate use. You’ll never have to worry about mold, shrinkage, or split seams with our process.
How to Find a Reputable Cleaner
When choosing a carpet cleaner, look for these signs of a professional:
- Proper Training: Check that they are trained by a recognized organization.
- Industry Memberships: Look for memberships in reputable industry bodies like the National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA). These memberships ensure they have full insurance and follow a strict code of practice.
- Specialized Knowledge: If you have natural fiber carpets, like wool, ask if they are a WoolSafe Approved Service Provider. This ensures they are specialists in caring for these fibers and use products that have been tested and certified as safe.
Don’t let a low price tag lead to a costly mistake. Invest in a professional service that will protect your carpets and provide a truly deep, safe, and effective clean.
